Sarasota

We are at Marina Jack and settled in.  It is good to be back, and we went to see Rock at the piano bar last night.  He remembered us and played Moondance.  Headache city last night-too much fun..  Some of the boaters we made friends with last year are still here and we caught up with them.  The weather today is great-80 and sunny.  There is a downtown festival today, and we took in the sights.  We fly home Monday.

There are several theatres within walking distance

Moondance in her berth

Just what she needs-more shoes

Downtown festival

Great lunch spot

 

Longboat Key Moorings

 

We had a nice stay here, and will be headed to Marina Jack (located in downtown Sarasota) shortly, where we will leave the boat for the winter.  Longboat is a private club, that rents out slips and condos.  We had the run of the resort, which includes a beach,  pools, spa, golf, tennis, and several restaurants.  The resort is over three miles and a shuttle is available for transport.  We ate at the bar (great pizza) last night and met another couple who is living on their boat while house hunting here.  Good food, music and company!  This is a good place to come with the grand kids, as it has lots to do and is kid friendly.  It is chilly (60) and overcast today, but will clear up by tomorrow. 

The Entrepreneur

Marina restaurant

Got to be a story behind this name

The outdoor dining was better when warm!

Hot tub only today

Longboat Key

We had a great overnight at the Clearwater Municipal Marina.  Went to the beach and enjoyed the sights, and had a nice steak dinner at Beachcomber restaurant.  It had a piano bar... Too much happiness, after a long voyage!  Today, we headed to Longboat Key Moorings, a swank resort/marina.  We traveled with the Lady J, an older Hatteras, with some guys headed to Key Largo for the winter.  We turned into Longboat Pass, and they kept going.  Tonight we dine at Portafino's, the restaurant at the marina.  It looks nice.  The only mishap was my docking here today.  A manatee was right in front of my assigned slip, and would not move.  The dockmaster, seeing I was from Louisiana, reminded me not to run over it.  Trying to avoid it I whacked a piling that Alexis failed to fender off....  Swine manatee.

Florida ICW

Longboat Key

Sarasota skyline

Clearwater!

Well, we made it!  Smooth sailing through the night.  24 hours after leaving Panama City, we have arrived at Clearwater, FL.  About 140 nautical miles in the Gulf last night, and we saw nada.  Not another boat, oil rig, or even a UFO.  We did see lots of stars!!  The cold front (or what is left of it) is about to arrive, so we are going to find a protected cove and drop the hook for some much needed rest.  Our cells will be off for a while…

Clearwater

Pirates!

Clearwater beach

 

To cross or not?

The weather people are confused....  Some say it will be great, others not so great.  We just arrived in Apalachicola Bay, and it is dead calm.  We are headed to East Pass, and will probably keep on going.  If we don't turn back, we should be in Clearwater at dawn.  We will be out of cell range, but have an EPIRB.  If it goes off, send the cavalry!! 

A proper send off!

Apalachicola in our wake.

Panama City

We are at the Panama City Marina, tucked in for the night.  Due to weather conditions changing, we had to miss Destin with the Sundberys.  A long day-12 hours to get here, but uneventful.  We ran across several trawlers headed south-one starting the loop!  It looks like we will have a marginal day to cross on Tuesday.  We will head to Apalachicola tomorrow. 

Pensacola Cut

Sarasota bound

Well, we are headed to Sarasota for the winter.  We said goodbye to The Wharf marina today, and are headed south.  The Wharf has been a great place to stay, with nice restaurants, a movie theater, and a great staff. Our plan is to spend the night on the hook at Ft. McRee, and stop at Destin tomorrow.  We plan to meet Sid and Susie Sundbery there for dinner.  There is a cold front approaching, and we will wait for it to pass, and hopefully we will have a good weather window to cross the Gulf on Wednesday or Thursday.  The  boat is running well!